Impregnating apparatus



Jan. 5, 1937. w. c. WRIGHT I IMPREGNATING APPARATUS.

1O Sheets-Sheet 1 Original Filed April 15, 1931 Jan.- 5, 1937. we. WRIGHT IMPREGNATING APPARATUS Original Filed April 13, 1931 10 Sheets-Sheet 2 .0 a n. 20 0 o o a mo o Jan. 5, 1937. v w. C.WR IG HT 2,066,379

IMPREGNATING APPARATUS Original Filed April 15, 1931 10 Sheets-Sheet 5 Jan. 5, 1937. w. CAWRIGHT IMPREGNATING APPARATUS Original Filed April 13, 1931 10 Sheets-Sheet 5 Jan. 5, 1937.

w. WRIGHT IMPREGNATING APPARATUS Original Filed April 13, 1931 10 Sheets-Sheet 7 0 a M 5 M Jan. 5, 1937. w wRlGHT 2,066,379

IMPREGNATING APPARATUS Original Filed April 13, 1931 10 Sheets-Sheet 8 Jan. 5, 1937. w. c. WRIGHT IMPREGNATING AP PARATUS Original Filed April 15, 1931 10 Sheets-Sheet 9 mQ MS ,Jan. 5, 1937. w. c. WRIGHT 2,066,379

IMPREGNATING APPARATUS Original Filed April 15, 1931 10 Sheets-Sheet 10 i N x 3% I k I 71062150 5 Patented Jan. 5, 1937 UNITED STATES IMPBEGNATIN G APPARATUS Wallace 0., Wright, Brookfleld, N. n.,

by mesne assignments, to United Shoe assixn r, Machinery Corporation, Boston, Mass.,-a corporation of New Jersey Application April 13, 1931, Serial No. 529,705

Renewed February 3, 1936 21. Claims.

This invention relates to apparatus for treating articles with a fluid in a pressure-tight receptacle in which the efiect of the fluid may be varied by altering the pressure thereof. The invention is herein disclosed as embodied in an apparatus designed for tempering leather soles with a liquid in a short space of time to condition them for various operations to which they are to be subjected before and after they are attached to shoes.

The so-called mulling of leather soles at present being practiced in the manufacturing of shoes is the common process by which the soles are tempered with water at atmospheric pressure. To obtain uniform and satisfactory tempering by that process requires several days time, since the grain substance of sole-leather is highly resistant to penetration by water.

Consequently, although the fleshy substance of v the leather will absorb. water rapidly by capil-' lary action alone, thorough mulling requires packing the soles in damp cloths or in a humidifying cabinet for several days to develop the necessary temper of the grain substance. Even when great care is used in mulling, the fleshy substance may become too sodden with moisture, and if the grain surfaces become stained with mold, residual tanning chemicals or dirt, and if such stains remain for days they too often become permanent, to the detriment of shoebottom finishing. Then, too, the long time required for mulling retards production, increases the cost of manufacture, and militates against coordination of progress in the various departments of shoe'manufacture.

n the other hand, it has been demonstrated that better results may be obtained in from one to flve minutes by raising the pressure of the water to a high degree while the soles are immersed therein, the eflect of high pressure being to drive the water into and-through the pores of the leather and thereby expel the air from the pores. For this purpose pressures ranging from one hundred to five hundred pounds per square inch, according to the density of the leather, have been found to be satisfactory, but since pressures as high as those mentioned would, if continued too long, render soles too sudden for use it is highly important to guard against prolonging the high-pressure treatment, even slightly, beyond the period of time necessary.

In view of these conditions an object of the present invention is to provide an improved apparatus in which pervious articles such as leather soles may be quickly and uniformly tempered ina liquid subjected to a high tempering pressure maintained for a predeterminedlength of time and then relieved without dependence upon human intervention to relieve the pressure when the allotted time has expired.

Another object is to provide an improved apparatus capable of automatic operation to R move the tempered work from the tempering liquid as soon as may be after the allotted 10 period-of high-pressure treatment has expired.

To fulfill these and other objects the apparatus herein illustrated and described comprises an automatic organization including a pressure; sustaining receptacle in which the tempering treatment may be administered, for example in accordance with. the method set forth in United States Letters Patent No. 2,005,765, granted June 25, 1935 on my application filed as a continuation in part of this present application.

The illustrated receptacle has a retractory closure to provide for introducing and removing the work which may be carried in a foraminous container suspended from the closure. The apparatus also includes power-operated mechanism for carrying the closure to and from its operative position on the receptacle, power-operated mechanism for securing and releasing the closure, power-operatedmechanism for raising and relieving the pressure of the water in the receptacle, and automatic controls by which the several power-operated mechanisms and other devices are brought into operation in a certain sequence. One of the automatic controls is atiming device by which the length of the pressure-tempering period is governed and by cwhich all subsequent operations are postponed accordingly.

As herein illustrated, a source of water under pressure is provided with a pressure-sustaining valve for supplying water to the treatment receptacle. This valve is automatically operated first to admit enough water to flll the receptacle and thereafter to shut off the supply and prevent reverse fiow, under greater tempering pressure, 4 from the receptacle toward the source of supply,

its opening movement being caused by placing the closure on the receptacle, and its closing movement being caused by the water accumulated in the receptacle.

The various power-operated elements and controls therefor are soorganized in conjunction. with electrical activating circuits that a complete cycle of operations may be brought about automatically in consequence of merely pressing a button in an electrical starting circuit. Briefly stated, the following operations occur in the order of their recital. When the aforesaid button is pressed (it may be released immediately) the closure is carried to its operative position on the receptacle; a valve opens to supply water to the receptacle; when the receptacle is full the supply valve closes. an automatic timing device becomes active and a power-operated mechanism secures the closure tightly and raises the pressure of the water in the receptacle to a certain predetermined degree which it maintains for a certain length of time measured by the automatic timing device; the tempering pressure in the receptacle is then relieved; the closure is released; and finally the closure and the tempered work supported thereby are carried away from the receptacle to a point where they remain until an attendant removes the tempered work. when all operating current is turned off from the apparatus the closure descends to the receptacle where it rests until operation of the apparatus is to be resumed.

Referring to the drawings,

Fig. l is a top-plan view of a machine embodying the present invention;

Fig. 2 is a longitudinal vertical section therethrough in the plane indicated by line 2-2 of Fig. l, the parts being in their operative positions as when the work is undergoing treatment;

Fig. 3 is a rear elevation of the machine in which certain parts are represented as broken Fig. 4 is an end elevation as viewed from the right to the left of Fig. 1; b v

Fig. 5 is an end elevation. partly in section.

as indicated by line 5-5 of Fig. 2, the direction of view being opposed to that of Fig. I;

Fig. 6 is a 'view similar to Fig. 5 except that the parts stand in their initial positions as at the termination of a cycle of operations;

Fig. 7 is a vertical section through the structure intersected by line 1-1 of Fig. 2, the parts being in their operative positions as when the work is undergoing treatment;

Fig. 8 is a vertical section of the structure intersected by line'I'I of Fig. 1,'and includes various automatic controls whereby certain steps in a cycle of operations are initiated or terminated as the case may be;

Fig. 9 is an elevation of transmission gearing, the direction of view being indicated by line I-I in Fig. 2;

Fig. 10 is a vertical section through poweroperated mechanism bywhich high pressure of the treating liquid is developed and relieved, the direction of theview being indicated by line l0ll in F18. 42

Fig. 11 is a horizontal section of mechanism within the range of line li -II of Fig. 2; Fig. 12 is aperspective view of one of a plurality of toggle members by which the closure is secured to the treatment receptacle;

Fig. 13 is a vertical section through one of a plurality of devices by which the closure is raised incidentally to being released from the receptacle, the location of the parts being indicated by line II-II in Fix. 3; r

Fig. 14 is a vertical section through an adiustable connection of one of the toggle mechanisms by which the closure is secured to the receptacle, the direction of the view being indicated, by line II-II in Fig. 3;

Fig. 15 (see sheet bearing Fig. 8) is a vertical section through the structure intersected by line II-II in Fig. l, which structure includes an auiliary chamber for liquid. a float therein. and

an electrical circuit closer operable by the float. -to initiate the operation of a timing device; and

Fig.16isawiringdiagramoftheelectrical circuits by which the various steps or operations included in a cycle are automatically brought about when the cycle is once initiated.

The main frame of the illustrated machine comprises two upstanding end pieces I providedwith floor bearings 2. connecting rails I and I and a bed-plate orplatform I. As shown in Fig. 2, the ends of the platform I rest upon the flanges I of the end pieces I and are amxed thereto by bolts I. A pressure-sustaining treatment receptacle II, the bottom of. which is provided with reinforcing ribs II, stands on the platform I and is secured thereto by bolts I (Fig. I) that extend through reinforcing ribs I of the platform and into tapped bosses I2 on the bottom of the receptacle.

The treatment receptacle II is of asise and shape to receive a work-container I2, as shown in Figs. 2 and "7. This container is supported and carried by an underslun'g carrier comprising. straps II and II suspended from the bottomof a closure 21 adapted to oooperatewith the receptacle II to provide a pressure-tight chamber. Accordingly, the rim of the receptacle II isprovided with a flange II having a groove II to receive a gasket II of resilient material onwhich the flange 2I of the closure may beseated. Preferably the flange II is provided atintervals with holes 2I to cooperate with pointed 'dow'els II projecting upwardly from the flange II of the receptacle to register the closure thereon.

To provide'for carrying the closure 21 and the work-supporting means to and from the treatment receptacle. the closure is provided with two brackets 2I aifixed thereto by bolts II (Figs. 1

and 7). A-tie-rod 2! connecting the brackets provides a pivotal connection for a pair of carrying arms II, while pins 2I provide pivotal con nections between the brackets and a pair of links 22. The arms II are arranged toswing up and down on a fulcrum provided by a tie-rod II connecting a pair of brackets Il projecting upwardly from the platform I and bolted thereto. These brackets are also connected with the links 22 by pivot pins 2i. The arms II and the links 22 maintain the closure 21 in ahorisontal position while carrying it up and down. '1

" The arms II are united by connecting websII and, the latter being provided with a bracket III for connection with an operating plunger of an electro-hydraulic operating unit II.- The plunger comprises parallel rods II and a central anced by a pair of compression springs (Fig. 7)

contained in tubes II and exerting their force upwardly against plungers II arranged tooperate against blocks II carried by the web II. The lower ends of the springs II are seated on members III capable of being adjusted by bolts III to regulate the applied force of thesprings. The

springs retard the descent of the load when the operation of the unit 81 is discontinued, while the weight of the load causes the closure normally to descend to its operative position on the mouth of the treatment receptacle.

Water for treating the work is supplied to the receptacle ill from any suitable source by a pipe 85 (Figs. 1, 4 and 5). As shown'by dotted lines in the latter figure, a portionof the supply pipe extends upwardly under the receptacle III. The connection between this pipe and the receptacle is formed by a fitting 88 (Fig. 2) bolted to the bottom of the receptacle in register with an opening 84 therein, a baille-plate 85 being arranged in the opening 84 to break the force of the inflowing water. When the closure descends and is about to be seated on the receptacle, a finger I41 carried thereby (Figs. 1, 2, 3, 4, 6 and 16) depresses a circuit closer I48 whereby a relay switch I5| is operated to supply current to an electrically operated solenoid valve 85:; located in the pipe line 35. The pipe line is thus opened to supply water to the receptacle. I

As shown in Fig. 16 the winding I55 of the supply valve 35a is connected in parallel with a corresponding winding I55 of an outlet valve I51, the latter being arranged in a pipe line I58 (Figs. 1, 6 and 7) arranged to conduct water from the receptacle III at an intermediate level thereof to an auxiliary receptacle I58 partly above and partly below the level of the mouth of the treatment receptacle. The valve I51 is therefore opened simultaneously with the supply valve 38a. Consequently, as the water level in the receptacle I8 rises above the receiving end of the pipe line I58 some of the water flows through this pipe line and fills or partially fills the auxiliary receptacle I59, which, at this stage, cannot discharge water through its draining valve I88 hereinafter described.

.When the water level rises sufficiently to flil' thereceptacle I8 itrraises' a float I58 in the receptacle I58. This float is affixed to a stem I5I (Fig. 15), the upper end of which is provided with an electrical contact plate I82 arranged to close a circuit comprising two stationary terminals I53 (Fig. 15). This circuit operates a relay switch I54 by which the contacts I53 are moved to break the circuit that has been holding the valves 35a and I51 open. As shown in Fig. 15, a manually operable lever I54 is arranged to raise the contact plate I52 and may be manipulated for that purpose in the event that the float I58 fails to do so.

The circuit closer I52 also initiates automatic operation of power driven means by which the closure is secured in pressure-tight relationship to the receptacle I8 and by which the pressure of the water now confined in the receptacle is raised to speed the tempering of the work. For these purposes the apparatus is provided with an electric motor 59 (Figs. 2, 4 and 16) the shaft 88 of which carries a driving pinion 51 (Fig. 9) by which a train of gears 85, I23, I22 and |2| is operated. The gears 58 and I28 are both afllxed to a shaft 53 by which rotation is imparted to mechanism for securing the closure to the receptacle'III, while the gear I2I is afllxed to a shaft I28-by which other mechanism (Fig. 10) is operated toraise the pressure of the water in the receptacle.

Describing first the mechanism for securing the closure, (see'Figs. 2 and 6) the shaft 58 is journaled in bearings 54, 54 and 55 and is provided with two bevel gears 52 that drive respectively bevel gears 8| amxed to vertical screw-shafts 54. The bearings 84 and the bearings 51 for the shafts 54 are formed in hangers 58 suspended from the bed-plate 5 (Figs. 5, 6 and '7), the upper portions 58 of the hangers being aillxed to the bed-plate porting collars 55.

The beam 52 stands initially at its lower limit of travel, as shown in Fig. 6, and remains in that position until the receptacle I 8 has been filled with water as above described. Then, when operation of the motor 59 is initiated by the circuit closer I82, the beam 52 is raised by the screwshafts 54.unti1 it reaches its upper limit of travel as shown in Figs. 2, 5 and '1. The first stages of this upward movement are utilized to shift a plurality of clamping jaws 18 from their inoperative positions (Fig. 6) to their operative positions over the margin of the closure 21, but the latter stages are utilized to depress the jaws 18 and thereby effect pressure-tight relationship between the closure and the receptacle I8.

As-shown in Fig. 1, the jaws 18 are arranged in two series at opposite sides of the longitudinal median line of the closure, those of one series being movable in one direction to their operative positions, while those of the other series are movable in the opposite direction. Each jaw is provided with lateral projections 18 arranged to bear on the margin of the closure. Moreover, as shown in Fig. 14, each jaw comprises an upper section, a lower section and an adjustable connecting stud 88 by which the efiective lengthof the jaw may --be regulated so that all the jaws may be coordi-' hated to bear with equal pressure on the closure. The stud 88 is screwedinto a tapped and split socket 8| in the upper section, the socket being provided with a clamping bolt 82 by which it may be contracted to grip the stud.

The lower ends of the jaws are mounted on individual floating pivot-pins 11 (Figs. 3, 5 and 6) carried by individual bell-crank levers 14 arranged in two series on two horizontal supporting rods 18. The ends of these rods (see Fig. 8) are arranged in supporting sockets 1| formed on plates 12 ailixed by bolts 13 to the end pieces I of the frame. The arms 15 (Figs. 2, 3 and 6) that carry the pivot-pins 11 are'so related to the fulcrum rods 18 and to the jaws 18 as to operate with the effect of toggles when they carry the pins 11 to and from their dead-center positions (Fig. '1) at which they apply the maximum clamping force.

The other arm of each lever 14 is provided with a stud having a spheroidal head 15 (Figs. 2 and '1). These heads all lie virtually in the median vertical plane of the assemblage and are embedded in socket members 94 seated on the upper face of the beam 52 and capable of limited sliding movement thereon.

When the parts stand in their initial positions, 5

as shown in Fig. 6, the two series of jaws 18 are widely separated by bell-crank levers 81 of which there is one at each end of each series. As shown in Figs. 2 and 6, the levers 81 are arranged in' laws 10 is provided by a block mounted on the jaw and arranged to slide in a slot 00 in the lever. The lower end of each lever 01 is provided with a roll "arranged to engage an individual operating cam 00, apair of such cams being formed on a saddle 0| bolted to the vertically movable In operation} when the beam 02 rises from its initial position shown in Fig. 6, the first stages of its travel cause the cams 03 to operate the levers 01 whereby the jaws (connected in gang relation as hereinafter described) are shifted to their operative positions. As the beam 02 continues to rise the levers 01 remain stationary by virtue of vertical slots 92' formed in the saddies 0| to provide a range of lost motion, but the beam 02 nevertheless operates the bell-crank levers 14 whereby the jaws 10 are all depressed with'a toggle action to apply downward force of the closure against the mouth of the receptacle The intermediate jaws 10 of each series are conv nectedin'gang relation by a horizontal beam 00 and connecting bolts 04, the ends of the beams shown in Fig. 10 is operated to develop hydraulic pressure of high degree for speeding the tempering operation. This mechanism comprises a hydraulic cylinder I00 and a ram. or piston I08 that receives its operating moti on from the motor 00. The piston I00 stands initially in the position shown in'this figure and the cylinder I00 is initially full of water supplied to it from the receptacle I0 through a pipe I00 (Figs. 1 and 3). A- check-valve I02'inthis pipe prevents flow from the cylinder I08 to the receptacle I0.

When the piston I09 develops pressure of the water in the cylinder some of the water may flow to the receptacle I0 through a pipe I01, but the flow through this pipe is initially stopped by a valve I21 that remains closed until the closure 21 is tightly secured to the receptacle I0 but is automatically opened at the conclusion of thesecuring operation. For this purpose the arm I20that operates the valve I21 is connected by a link I20 (Figs. 8 and 11) to a lug I00 projecting from one of the saddles 0| carried by' the beam 02 (see Fig. 5). When, finally, the valve I21 is opened the hydraulic pressure now fully developed in the cylinder I00 is admitted to the receptacle I0, but before reaching the receptacle it must pass through a pressure-regulating valve I0| which may be adjusted to supply any desired pressure within the capacity of the means illustrated in Fig. 10.

The operating shaft I20 is provided with a screw portion with which a nut IIO cooperates. The nut is thus driven toward the cylinder I00 and carries a tubular plunger III in which it is nested. Rotation of the plunger is prevented by splines I25 in a sleeve I26 in which the plunger is arranged to slide, the sleeve being bolted to the adjacent frame piece I, and the plunger having grooves I24 into which the splines project.

.The left-hand end of the plunger III has a tele hub IIO of the piston. The movement of the construction shown in Fig. 13.

against the springs. A similar header mounted on the'hub of the pistonforce of the springs to the piston.

outrun; of the springs t he m is provided with a sleeve II1 afllxed thereto by a set screw li0.

The spring cpntlnue, of' course. tg maintaia-thehigh pressure in thetreatment receptacle so long as they remain under compression, but after the conclusion of the pressure-tempering period they are relaxed by reverse rotation of the screw-shaft I20 to relieve the pressure in the treatment receptacle and to take back some of the water therefrom through the return pipe I00. This return flow is insured by suction when the piston I00 is retracted by the return movement of the plunger III, the piston rod IIO having a head at its right-hand end by which the return of the plunger is rendered efl'eotive to retract the piston.

The length of time during which high pressure is maintained in the treatment receptacle is governed by a time relay I00 (Fig. 16), the arm I00 of which will drop to the contactmember I10 at the conclusion of the allotted time and thereby establish other electrical circuits.v one of which will set up reverse rotation of the motor 00. and another of which will energize a solenoid I10 by which a valve I00 (Figs. 1 and 4) is openedto drain water from the float chamber I00 (Fig. 15) I from its upper position (Figs. 2, s and '1) to its lower position (Fig. 6). As the beam descends,

it closes the supply valve 121 (Fig. 3) and operates the bell-crank levers 14 to release the closure 21, the jaws or toggle members 10 being thereby raised and thereafter retracted beyond the rim ofthe closure to clear the path in which the closure will subsequently rise to the position shown in Fig. 6. To eflect positive releasing movement of the bell-crank lever 14, the beam 52 is provided with plates 00 (Figs. 2 and 11) aillxed thereto by bolts 00 and each of these plates is provided with strikers 01 arranged to act against the upper ends of two of the studs 15 carried by' the levers. r

During the early stages of the descent of the beam 02 from the position shown in Fig. 5. the retracting levers 01- remain stationaryin consequence of the lost motion afforded by the slots 02 in the saddles II, but finally the rolls-00 are engaged and depressed by overhanging extremities of the saddles and the levers .01 are thereby operated to retract the laws as shown in Fig.6.

As shown in Fig. l, the closure is provided with four bosses I00 that project horizontally from reinforcing ribs IOI. Each of these bosses.

The latch is normally projected by a spring I00 and is p vided with a key-way I00 into which a key I04 projects to prevent turning movement.- The outer end of the latch has an inclined cam face I83. These latches are arranged to be engaged by lateral projections 18 of four of the Jaws 18. When the Jaws move to their operative break the seal formed by the gasket I6 and the flange 28.

When the closure is released as above explained, the operation of the motor 68 is automatically Interrupted by a circuit breaker I11 (Figs. 8 and 16) arranged to be operated by a pin I83 carried by the finger I82 on the beam 52.

To insure prompt stoppage of the motor 68 whenever its operating circuit is opened, its shaft 68 (Fig. 4) is provided with a brake I13 normally applied by a spring I15 but arranged to be relaxed by a solenoid I12 that is energized only while operating current is being supplied to the motor.

When the arm I68 of the timing device drops to the contact I16, it also supplies operating current to the solenoid I43 of the relay by which operating current is supplied to the hydraulic unit 31, with the result that this unit retracts the closure to its initial position shown in Fig. 6. The cycle of operations is thus completed and the closure remains in its retracted position until the next succeeding cycle is initiated by manual operation of the circuit breaker I46.

Referring to the wiring diagram in Fig. 16 for a summary of a cycle of operations, it is to be borne in mind that when the apparatus is not in use and no current is being supplied thereto from any source, the force of gravity will cause the closure 21 to be seated on the treatment receptacle I8 because under such conditions the electro-hydraulic unit 31 is not effective to support the closure or any load of which it is a part. For purposes of description, this normal position or the closure is not to be regarded as the final position or the initial position of a cycle of operations. On the contrary, the initial position for a cycle of operations requires the closure to be retracted as shown in Fig. 6, in which position it affords the attendant an opportunity to place a work container 32 in or on the work-supporting means 38. Consequently, to raise the closure from its normal position on the' receptacle to its initial position shown in Fig. 6 requires a preliminary operation of the unit 31. This may be accomplished by manual operation of a pushbutton I 38.

. Current for operating the unit 31 is supplied from any suitable source by wires I4I, current for operating the motor 68 and the brake soleunit 31 is required manual operation of the pushbutton I38 closes a controlling circuit comprising the supply wire I31, switch I48, solenoid I43 and return wire I38. Thus, the solenoid I 43 is energized to operate a relay in the operating circuit I4I whereby operating current is supplied to the 75 unit 31. Even though the push-button I38 is sure 21 in its initial position.

. When the work to be treated is in readiness to'be carried into the treatment receptacle, the attendant will operate the circuit breaker I46, thus de-energizing the solenoid I43 and permitting the relay to disconnect the unit 31 from its source of operating current.- The force of gravity now causes the closure to descend to its operative position on the mouth of the treatment receptacle. v The liner I41 carried by the closure finally operates the circuit closer I48 in consequence of which the valve 36a is opened to supply water to the receptacle, and the valve I51 (Figs. 1 and 5) is opened to permit some of the water in the receptacle to flow to the float chamber I58.

The circuit closer I48 is in a circuit comprising supply wire I31, wire I85, closer I48, solenoid I58 of a relay I5I, wire I86 and return wire I38. The solenoid I58, now being energized operates the relay I5I and remains energized so long as the closure remains on the receptacle.

Operation of the manual circuit breaker I46 also closes the automatic snap switches I48 to prepare other circuits for use. When the treatment receptacle is full of water the float I68 (Fig. 15) causes the contact I62 to close a circuit that enables the valves 36a. and I51 to close, initiates forward rotation of the motor 68 and the operation of the timing device I68. The circuit controlled by the float comprises supply wire I31,

relay switch I65, closer I62, solenoid I66 of a relay I54, wire- I86 and return wire I38. The relay I54 now causes the switches I53 to deenergize the valve solenoids I55 and I56, and

supplies operating current to a solenoid "I (upper left of the diagram) through the following circuit: supply wire I31, relay switch I65, upper switch I61, arm I68 of the timing device, switch I48, circuit breaker I38, circuit breaker I18, solenoid HI and return wire I38. The timing device being permanently connected with the return wire I38 by wire I86 is also setin operation. The energizing of the solenoid I1I operates a relay switch by which operating current is supplied to the motor 68 from the supply wires I42. At

this stage the motor 68 raises the beam 52 to secure the closure and also operates the pressuredeveloping mechanism shown in Fig. 10. When the closure is tightly secured the pin I14 carried by the finger I82 operates the circuit breaker I18 which de-energizes the solenoid Ill. The motor 68 is thus arrested, but the timing device I68 remains in circuit to postpone the next subsequent circuit alteration until the allotted time for pressure-tempering has expired.

When the timing device has run its course, the arm I68 thereof drops to the contact I16, thereby causing relief of pressure in the treatment receptacle and releasing the closure, both by reverse rotation of the motor 68. When the arm I68 of the timing device drops the reversing solenoid I18 is energized by a circuit comprising supply wire I31, relay switch I65, upper relay switch I61, arm I68, contact I16, switch I48, wire I84, circuit breaker I11 (now closed), solenoid I 18 and return wire I 38. The solenoid I 18 now closes a relay switch by which operating current is supplied from the wires I42 to eflect reverse rotation of the motor 00. When the closure is fully released, a pin I carried by the finger I82 operates the circuit breaker I" thereby de-energizing the solenoid I18 to permit a solenoid I is thus energized to operate the relay by which operating current is supplied to the electro hydraulic unit ll from the supply wires MI, and the unit 11 is thus operated to complete a cycle of operations by retracting the closure and the work to their initial position.

As the closure rises it permits the circuit closer I to open, thereby dc-energizing the solenoid I50 (upper right) of the relay III which, on being thus restored to its initial position, causes the switch I65 to open not only the circuit comprising the upper switch ltl, the arm "I and the upper switch I, but also the circuit comprising the lower switch IQ'I, solenoid Iii, the timing device"! and the lower switch I.

Moreover, when the solenoid" I'll is energized by the dropping 0f the arm I it opens the draining valve In (Figs. 1 and 4) Consequently,

as the water in the float chamber I" (Fig. 15)

is drained therefrom, the float retracts the contact I62 from' the stationary contacts I63.

Having described the invention. what is claimed as new and desired to be secured by Letters Patent of the United States is:

1. An apparatus for treating articles comprising a pressure-sustaining treatment receptacle, a removable closure therefor provided with means for supporting the work to be treated, controllable means for supplying a fluid imder pressure to the receptacle, a timing device, and automatic power-operated means controlled by said timing device to retract said closure and the work-supporting means from the receptacle.

2. Anapparatus for treating articles comprising a pressure-sustaining treatment receptacle. a removable closure therefor, controllable means for supplying a fluid under pressure to the receptacle, means operable automatically totum oil the supply of fluid through said controllable means, a timing device, and automatic poweroperated means controlled by said timing device to retract said closure from the receptacle.

3. An apparatus for treating articles with liquid comprising a pressure-sustaining treatment receptacle, a removable closure therefor provided with means for supporting the work to be treated, controllable means for supplying a liquid under pressure to the receptacle, a timing device, means controlled by said timing device to relieve the pressure of, the liquid in the receptacle at the termination of a certain time interval, and automatic power-operated means also controlled by said timing device to retract said closure and the work-supporting means from the receptacle.

4. An apparatusfor, treating articles with liquid comprising a pressure-sustaining treatment receptacle, a removable closure therefor provided with means for supporting the work to be treated, means for supplying a liquid under pressure to said receptacle, said supplying means including an initially closed valve, power-operated means by which said valve is opened in consequence or placing said'closure in its operative position on the receptacle, a timing device, and power-operated means controlled by said timing device to I retract said closure and the work-supporting means from the receptacle.

5. An apparatus for treating articles with a liquid comprising gtreatment receptacle, a removable closure therefor provided withmeans for supporting the work to be treated. means for securing the closure to the receptacle; means for supplying a fluid to the receptacle, a timing device, and power-operated nieansconti'olle'ii by said timing device for operating said securing means to release the closure and for moving the closure from the receptacle; f r j 6. Anapparatus for treating articles with" a liquid comprising a pressure-sustaining treatment receptacle, a removable closure therefor.

means including a valve for supplying a liquid to the receptacle,means operable automatically to open said valve in consequence of placing said closure on the receptacle, means controlled by the rise of liquid in the receptacle to close said valve, power-operated means also controlled by the rise of liquid in the receptacle to raise the pressure of that liquid, a timing device, means,

controlled by said timing device to relieve the pressurein the receptacle at the conclusion of a1 certain length of time, and power-operated means also controlled by said timing device to retract saidclosure from the receptacle.

7. An apparatus for treating articles with liquid comprising a pressure-sustaining treatment receptacle, a removable closure therefor, means includinga valve for supplying liquid under pressure to said receptacle means operable by closeing movement of said closure to open said'valve,

-means operable by the liquid supplied to said receptacleto close said valve, a timing device" arranged to be set in operation by the liquid'supplied to the receptacle, and automatic poweroperated means controlled by said timing device to retract said closure from the receptacle at the termination of a'certain length of time,-

8. An apparatus for treating articles withiiquid comprisinga pressure-sustaining treatment receptacle, a removable closure therefor, means including a valve for supplying liquid under pressure to said receptacle, means operable by closing movement of said closure to open said valve,

means operable by the liquid supplied to said re ceptacle to close said valve, a timing device arranged to' be set in operation by the liquid supplied to the receptacle, and automatic poweroperated means arranged to be set in operation by the liquid supplied to the receptacle to raise the pressure thereof, said automatic power-oper-' ated means being controlled by said timihg device to relieve the pressure in the receptacle at the termination of a certain length of time. 7

9. An apparatus for treating articles with a, liquid comprising a pressure-sustaining treatment receptacle, a retractory closure therefor,

means for securing said closure in pressure-tight relationshipto thereceptacle, means for supplying a liquid to the receptacle, means for raising the pressure of the liquid confined in the rece tacle, timing means, and means controlled by said timing means to relieve the pressure in the receptacle at the conclusion 'of a certain'length r of time.

10. An apparatus for treating articles comprisfluid under pressure to the receptacle, and power? ing a pressure-sustaining treatment receptacle, a f

x from the receptacle.

operated means arranged to relieve the fluid pressure in the receptacle and to operate said securing means to release said closure.

11. An apparatus for treating articles comprising a pressure-sustaining treatment receptacle, a removable closure therefor, means for securing said closure in pressure-tight relationship to the receptacle, power-operated means for supplying a fluid under pressure to the receptacle, a timing device, and power-operated means controlled by said timing device to relieve the fluid pressure in the receptacle and operate said securing means to release said closure.

12. An apparatus for treating articles compris-.

ing a'pressure-sustaining treatment receptacle, a retractory closure therefor, means for supplying a treating fluid under pressure to the receptacle, and power-operated means arranged to secure said closure in pressure-tight relationship to the receptacle and thereafter automatically to raise the pressure of the fluid in the receptacle.

13. An apparatus for treating articles comprising a pressure-sustaining treatment receptacle, a retractory closure therefor, means for supplying a treating fluid under pressure to the receptacle, power-operated means arranged to secure said closure in pressure-tight relationship to the receptacle and to raise the pressure of the fluid in the receptacle, and a timing device by which said power-operated means are controlled to relieve the pressure of the fluid and release said closure at the conclusion of a certain length of time.

14. An apparatus for treating articles comprising a pressure-sustaining treatment receptacle, a removable closure therefor provided with means for supporting the work to be treated, means to clamp the closure against the receptacle, means to supply a fluid to the receptacle, means to supply additional fluid under pressure to the receptacle, means to maintain the pressure within the receptacle for a predetermined length of time and to relieve such pressure at the termination of that time, means operable automaticallyto move said clamping means to release the closure, and means operable automatically to retract the closure and the work-supporting means 15. An apparatus for treating articles comprising a pressure-sustaining treatment receptacle, a removable closure therefor provided withmeans for supporting the work to be treated, means to clamp the closure against the receptacle, means to supply a fluid to the receptacle, meansto supply additional fluid under pressure to the receptacle, means'to maintain the pressure within the receptacle for a predetermined length of time and to relieve such pressure at the termination of that time, means operable automatically to move said clamping means to release the closure, and means on the closure arranged to cooperate with said clamping means during the releasing movement thereof to raise the closure and the worksupporting means.

16. An apparatus as defined in claim 15 comprising supplemental means operable automatically to retract the closure and the work-supporting means clear of the receptacle.

17. An apparatus as deflned in claim 15 which the means on the clostn'e for cooperating with the clamping means comprises a plurality of spring-pressed members for eflecting the initial raising of the closure.

18. In an apparatus for treating articles, a pressure-sustaining treatment receptacle, a removable closure therefor, a plurality of toggle mechanisms each including a member arranged to clamp the closure against the receptacle, means by which said toggle mechanisms are supported independently of said closure, and means porting the work to be treated, said receptacle and closure being constructed to form a pressuretight treatment chamber, controllable means for altering the pressure of the liquid in said receptacle, a timing device,'and automatic means controlled by said timing device to retract said closure and the work-supporting means from the I receptacle.

21. An apparatus for treating articles witha liquid comprising a receptacle and a removable closure therefor provided with means'for supporting the work to be treated, said receptacle and closure being constructed to form a pressuretight treatment chamber, controllable means for altering the pressure of the liquid in said receptacle, automatic means'by which an abnormal pressure in the receptacle is relieved and by which said closure and the work-supporting means are retracted from the receptacle, and a timing device by which said automatic means are controlled. WALLACE C. WRIGEL 

